Things to remember when driving
126
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page244.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward beyond the limits
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the pan-
orama glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Your X5 is at home on all roads and surfaces.
It combines a 4-wheel drive system with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs.
>Adapt your driving speed to the road condi-
tions. The steeper and rougher the road
surface is, the lower the speed should be.>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope of
50 %. If you want to drive on uphill or down-
hill gradients of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant levels
are near the MAX mark, refer to page225.
>Use the HDC Hill Descent Control when
driving down extremely steep grades, refer
to page85. It is possible to start off on
grades of up to 33 %.
The permissible body roll is 50 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
>Please make sure that the undercarriage
does not touch the ground, for example on
crests and bumpy roads. The ground clear-
ance of the vehicle is a maximum of approx.
8.0 in/20 cm. Please note that the ground
clearance can vary depending on loading
and the driving conditions of the vehicle.
>Only drive through water on roads up to a
maximum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only at
walking speed, making sure not to stop in
the process.
>After driving through water at low speed,
lightly press the brake pedal several times
to dry the brakes and to prevent the braking
effect from being reduced by wetness.
>Depending on the condition of the surface,
it may be practical to briefly activate DTC,
refer to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page85.
>If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels.
Please note the following points after driving on
poor roads to maintain the driving safety of your
BMW:
>Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
>Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the wheels
and tires and check the tires for damage.
Starting navigation system
130
Starting navigation system
Your navigation system can use satellites to
ascertain the precise position of your vehicle
and guide you reliably to any destination you
enter.
Navigation DVD
The navigation system requires a special navi-
gation DVD. The latest version is available at
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Inserting navigation DVD
Use the lower drive for navigation DVD.
1.Insert the navigation DVD with the labeled
side up.
The navigation DVD is automatically pulled
in.
2.Allow several seconds for the system to
scan the data from the DVD.
Removing navigation DVD
1.Press the button 1.
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
2.Remove the DVD.
Display in assistance window
You can display the route or the current position
in the assistance window. This display remains
visible even if you change to another applica-
tion.
1.Move the controller to the right to change to
the assistance window.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select the desired route view or "Current
position".
4.Press the controller.
*
Destination entry
142 4.Press the controller.
The route criterion is highlighted.
5.If necessary, select an additional route cri-
terion and then press the controller:
>"Dynamic route"
Automatic changing of the route in case
of traffic obstructions. Depending on the
type of road and the nature and length of
the traffic obstruction, the route can also
be calculated so that you travel through
the traffic obstruction.
>"Avoid tollroads"
Tollroads are avoided where possible.
>"Avoid ferries"
Ferries are avoided where possible.
To exit the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
The route criteria can also be changed in the
arrow or map display.
1.Select the symbol for the route criterion and
press the controller.
2.Select a route criterion and press the con-
troller.
Word matching principle
The system supports the word matching princi-
ple to make it easier for you to enter the names
of streets or towns/cities. The system runs
ongoing checks, comparing your destination
entries with the data stored on the navigation
DVD as the basis for instant response. The user
benefits include:
>Names of specific locations can also vary
from the official versions if you are using a
spelling that is customary in another coun-
try.
Example:
Instead of "München", you can also enter
the English spelling "Munich" or the Italian
spelling "Monaco".
>When you are entering the names of towns/
cities and streets the system will complete
them automatically as soon as enough let-
ters are available to ensure unambiguous
identification.
>The system only accepts name entries
beginning with letters that are stored on the
navigation DVD. The system will not accept
non existent names and addresses.
Destination guidance
150
Symbols for traffic informationDisplaying current position
You can have your current position displayed
even when the destination guidance is
switched off.
1.Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the fourth field from the top.
Turn the controller until "Current position"
is selected and press the controller.
The current position of your BMW is displayed.
If the navigation system is unable to identify a
town or city, your current map coordinates will
appear.
To exit the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
You can also have the current position dis-
played on a map, refer to page145. Traffic light failure
Roadworks
General traffic obstruction
Transport of hazardous load
Danger
Low clearance
No parking
Fog
Heavy rain
Slippery road
Cross winds
Smog
Road close
Slow traffic
Traffic back up
Stopped traffic
Icy roads
Uneven surface
Accident
Lane closure
Delay
Police checkpoint
Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
169Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on CD player:
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
The tracks can be listened to with some distor-
tion.
CD changer
The BMW CD changer for six CDs is installed in
the glove compartment.
Controls and displays
1LEDs on CD slot
Flash when CD can be inserted.
2Buttons for CD compartments
LED lights up when CD compartment is
filled.
Filling CD changer
1.Press the button.
The LED on the first empty compartment
flashes.
2.Select another CD compartment if neces-
sary:
Press the ... button.
3.When the LEDs on the CD slot 1 flash, push
in the CD.
Do not push in the CD until the LEDs on
the CD slot1 flash, as otherwise the CD
or the CD changer may be damaged.<
Filling empty CD compartments
1.Hold down the button.
The LEDs on the empty CD compartments
flash.
2.Push in the CDs separately.
Do not push in the CD until the LEDs on
the CD slot1 flash, as otherwise the CD
or the CD changer may be damaged.<
The CDs are automatically stored in the com-
partments.
Removing CDs from CD changer
1.Press the button.
2.Press the ... button to select the
CD compartment.
The CD is pushed out of the CD changer
somewhat.
3.Remove the CD.
Removing all CDs from CD changer
1.Hold down the button.
The CDs are pushed out of the CD changer
somewhat consecutively.
2.Remove the CDs.
CD player and CD changer
170
Notes
BMW CD/DVD players and changers are
officially designated Class 1 laser prod-
ucts. Do not operate if the cover is damaged,
otherwise severe eye damage can result.
Do not use self-recorded CDs/DVDs with labels
applied as these can become detached during
playback due to heat build-up and can cause
irreparable damage to the device.
Only use round CDs/DVDs with a standard
diameter of 4.7 in/12 cm and do not play CDs/
DVDs with an adapter, e.g. CD singles, as other-
wise the CD/DVD or the adapter can jam and
may no longer eject properly.
Do not use a combined CD/DVD, e. g. DVD
Plus,
otherwise the CD/DVD can jam and will no
longer eject.<
General malfunctions
BMW CD/DVD changers and players have been
optimized for performance in vehicles. In some
instances they may be more sensitive to faulty
CDs/DVDs than stationary devices would be.
If a CD/DVD cannot be played, first check if it
has been inserted correctly.
Humidity
High levels of humidity can lead to condensa-
tion on the CD/DVD or the laser's scan lens and
temporarily prevent playback.
Malfunctions with individual CDs/DVDs
If malfunctions only occur with individual CDs/
DVDs, one of the following factors may be the
cause.
Self-recorded CDs/DVDs
Possible reasons for malfunctions with self-
recorded CDs/DVDs are, e.g., inconsistent
data-creation or recording processes, or poor
quality or high age of the CD/DVD blank.
Only label CDs/DVDs on the upper side with a
pen intended for this purpose.
Avoiding damage
Avoid fingerprints, dust, scratches and mois-
ture.
Store CDs/DVDs in a sleeve.
Do not subject CDs/DVDs to temperatures over
1227/506, high levels of humidity or direct
sunlight.
CDs/DVDs with copy protection
CDs/DVDs are often provided with a copy pro-
tection feature by the manufacturer. This can
m e a n t h a t s o m e C D s / D V D s c a n n o t b e p l a y e d o r
can only be played to a limited extent.
Care
If necessary, clean the reflective scanning side
of the CDs/DVDs with a commercially available
cleaning cloth by wiping in straight lines from
the center outward. For additional information
on the care of CDs/DVDs, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure.
Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
171Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
External audio device
You can connect an external audio device, e.g.
an MP3 player, and play the sound via the vehi-
cle loudspeakers. The sound can be adjusted
via iDrive.
Connecting
Fold up the center armrest.
Open the covers of the center armrest.
1Power supply for your additional device:
Socket with removable cap
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, you
can use the cigarette lighter or the socket
located in the rear.
2Connection for audio playback:
Jack plug εin/3.5 mm
For audio playback via the vehicle loudspeak-
ers, connect the headphone or Line-Out con-
nection of the device to the connection 2.
Starting audio playback
The audio device must be switched on.
Via iDrive
iDrive, for explanation of concept, refer to
page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to open
"Entertainment".
3.Select "AUX" and press the controller.
4.Adjust volume and sound if necessary.
With programmable memory/direct
selection buttons
You can store the function external audio device
on the programmable memory/direct selection
buttons to start audio playback, refer to
page21.
Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
173Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
1.Turn display screen, arrow1.
The display screen switches off.
2.Fold in display screen, arrow2.
The display screen is folded out in the reverse
order.
CD/DVD player
Controls
1Press: switching DVD system on/off
Turn: volume for headphones on left
2Eject CD, DVD
3Start of track, reverse
Stop
Playback, pause, hold screen
Next track, fast forward
4CD/DVD slot
5Connection for external device: Cinch sock-
ets with protective cap
6Press: switching DVD system on/off
Turn: volume for headphones on right
Connecting headphones
You can connect headphones with a εin/
3.5 mm jack plug or operate them using the
infrared interface.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
which infrared headphones are supported by
the infrared interface.
When using infrared headphones, the
infrared connection between the head-
phones and the infrared interface may not be
interrupted. This means that no obstacle may
be located between them and the cover of the
infrared interface may not be covered or
scratched. Unfavorable lighting conditions,
such as glaring ambient light, can result in poor
reception.<
Remote control
1Menu navigation
2Volume for headphones with jack plug
3Change track or chapter with CD or DVD
playback, fast forward/reverse
4Switch over headphones right/left
5Open start menu for DVD system
Menu navigation
You can navigate through the menus with the
knurled wheel1 and the buttons1. For explana-
tion of concept, also refer to iDrive, page16.
>Turn the knurled wheel1:
Selecting a menu item.
>Press buttons1:
Changing between fields.